Today’s evolving job market makes earning a psychology degree both practical and versatile.
Check out these top 15 careers to consider for degrees in psychology.
What Is a Psychology Degree, and How Can I Apply It to the Job Market?
Psychology is a fascinating discipline with many real-world applications. It also ranks among the three most popular majors for incoming college freshmen.
A psychology degree offers insights into understanding people and valuable research, reasoning, and writing skills that translate well to any job. Students often need more clarification about the types of jobs, other than psychologists or counselors, that they can expect to land after graduation.
A degree in psychology includes a deep dive into the science of human behavior. Psychology students also develop research and interpretation skills to learn more about how people behave. Coursework in psychology studies may analyze mental health, mind-brain relationships, human interactions, personality theories, child psychology, behavior disorders, developmental psychology, clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and much more.
Whether or not you pursue an undergraduate or an advanced degree, you can utilize the knowledge from your psychology degree to build your career in many diverse roles.
15 Careers for Degrees in Psychology
1. Clinical Psychologist
A clinical psychologist career requires a Ph.D. in Psychology and involves diagnosing and treating a range of mental health issues, and emotional disorders. A clinical psychologist can assess, offer therapy, and enhance individuals’ well-being. Ph.D. graduates can specialize in different areas with salaries depending on focus and experience.
Advanced professionals may earn $85,000.
2. Psychiatrist
To become a psychiatrist, one must complete medical school to earn a doctorate in psychiatry. A psychiatrist is qualified to treat patients with a severely disturbed mental state. Licensure or certification requirements can vary based on state. Some jobs may only require a bachelor’s degree, while others will require medical school completion.
It is considered a prestigious job that can earn between $153,000 and $228,000.
3. Neuropsychologist
A neuropsychologist is another prestigious career path in psychology that offers high earning potential. Neuropsychologists assess, diagnose, and treat disorders and develop personalized recovery plans. This job requires a Ph.D. in Psychology and postdoctoral neuropsychology training.
Neuropsychologists can make over $270,000.
4. Substance Abuse Counselor
One of the fastest-growing careers for those with a psychology degree is that of substance abuse counselor. This professional works with clients addicted to alcohol or illegal substances. Some states may require licensure or certification. It is also essential to have a strong aptitude to help those with withdrawal and recovery.
Most substance abuse counselors earn between $25,000 to $40,000 with room for growth.
5. Forensic Psychologist
A forensic psychologist bridges the gap between psychology and the criminal justice system. They may act as an expert witness at trial, determine sanity, recommend treatment, evaluate risk, and make legal recommendations. They often work with law enforcement.
A forensic psychologist earns between $45,000 and $75,000, but earnings growth can increase depending on state and experience.
6. Marriage and Family Therapist
A popular career for a psychology degree is a marriage and family therapist. An MFT will need to earn a master’s degree in psychology or related science, obtain licensure, and complete thousands of internship hours. MFTs work in private practices or hospital settings to support behavioral change.
Average pay ranges between $40,000 to $100,000.
7. Applied Behavior Analyst
Land a high-paying applied behavior analyst job with a master’s degree in psychology, applied behavioral analysis, or another applicable field. ABAs also require certification via the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. ABAs may work with people or children with developmental disorders such as autism and develop behavioral plans.
Applied behavioral analysts earn around $113,000.
8. Engineering Psychologist
Those who prefer a technological setting may gear their career path toward engineering psychology. This professional applies principles to the workplace, analyzing systems, interactions, interfaces, and safety. This job requires a minimum of a master’s degree in psychology but may require a Ph.D.
Engineering psychologists can earn up to $142,000 per year.
9. Occupational Psychiatrist
Becoming a psychiatrist requires earning a bachelor’s degree and state licensure. Duties include workplace counseling, collaborating with other healthcare professionals in a hospital setting, treating patients, and promoting mental health.
The average occupational psychiatry salary is $122,000.
10. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Another strong career path for a psychology degree is to become an industrial-organizational psychologist. Those with a graduate degree in psychology enhance employee productivity and workplace well-being. They manage assessments, create training programs, and improve processes.
Industrial-organizational psychologists earn around $154,000 per year.
11. Genetic Counselor
A psychology degree can also jumpstart a genetic counselor career. This job informs patients about how genetic testing can assist with medical interpretations. Most jobs require a bachelor’s degree in biology, psychology, or social sciences. Others may require a Master of Science from an accredited genetic counseling program.
Pay ranges from $95,000 to $132,000.
12. Sports Psychologist
A sports psychologist works in an academic setting as a sports team consultant. They work to develop team building and rehabilitation programs, and monitor the impact of physical activity on athletes’ mental health and performance. The average pay ranges from $40,000 to $70,000.
13. Human Resource Specialist
For those more interested in business organization than clinical counseling, a psychology degree can land an entry-level job in human resources. A human resource specialist helps the human resource manager apply company policies, screens applicants and supports employees’ positive performance. Pay for entry-level positions can range from $10,000 to $30,000.
14. Social Worker
A social worker offers counseling services for poverty and mental health. An entry-level social worker needs a relevant bachelor’s degree, while a clinical social worker position requires a master’s degree in social work with state licensure.
The base salary for a social worker is around $58,000.
15. School Counselor
People who like to teach or prefer working in an educational capacity can choose from several options. These support students and staff via school counseling, school psychology, or educational psychology. Most school counselors earn about $50,000 per year, but room for growth exists with curriculum development.
Choosing the Right Psychology Career
There are several factors to consider when figuring out which psychology career is right for you.
These include your aptitude, goals, and the market demand. While choosing the best psychology career can feel challenging, it’s essential to understand what kinds of things interest and excite you about psychology.
For example, if you’re interested in the legal system or the brain-behavior relationship, consider forensic psychology or neuropsychology. Becoming a sports psychologist or school counselor may be ideal if you love athletics or supporting students. A psychiatrist career may appeal to you if you’re passionate about exploring and improving mental health.
Thinking about what drives you and reflects your goals can help you make a meaningful impact no matter which field of psychology you choose.
Highest-Paying Jobs With a Psychology Degree
If you’re curious about which jobs pay the most with a psychology degree, here are our top 3 picks with salaries that can run well into six figures.
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
An industrial-organizational psychologist often earns an annual average of $154,380.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist can earn an average annual salary of $247,000.
Neuropsychologist
Considering neuropsychology? This career trajectory can earn you up to $271,470 per year.
No matter which career path you choose with your psychology degree, earning a psychology degree opens the door to diverse fields and career opportunities. With some career guidance and consideration, finding the best fit for your interests, preferred salary range, and career satisfaction is possible.
